Targets and priorities

The following cervical cancer elimination targets and priorities were identified by an advisory committee and working groups of experts in HPV immunization and cervical screening, diagnosis and treatment, and the perspectives of patients and the general public. While these are also priorities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, a separate working group of Indigenous partner organizations was established to inform the Peoples-specific priorities.

By 2040, with an action plan that sets the following targets and achieves them, Canada will reach the WHO’s cervical cancer elimination goal.

Target 1 – Immunization

By 2025, 90% of individuals are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 17.

• Priority 1: Increase awareness and acceptability of the HPV vaccine
• Priority 2: Increase vaccination uptake in school-based HPV immunization programs
• Priority 3: Improve measurement and reporting of vaccination coverage rates from school-based HPV immunization programs to identify inequities and inform program improvements

Target 2 – Screening

By 2030, 90 per cent of eligible individuals have been screened with an HPV test; 90 per cent of eligible individuals are up-to-date with cervical screening; and no less than 80 per cent of eligible individuals in any identifiable group are up-to-date with cervical screening.

• Priority 1: Implement programmatic HPV primary screening across Canada
• Priority 2: Ensure equity in cervical screening participation
• Priority 3: Implement self-sampling in cervical screening programs
• Priority 4: Collect and report on aggregate data on cervical screening and use data for program improvement

Target 3 – Abnormal screen follow-up

By 2030, 90 per cent of individuals with a positive HPV test should have a clear plan of appropriate follow-up designed and communicated to them within three months of the test that generated the positive result; 90 per cent of all individuals identified as being at elevated risk for significant cervical abnormalities have colposcopy in a timely manner; and no less than 90 per cent of individuals in any identifiable group receive follow-up.

• Priority 1: Standardize timely and appropriate follow-up of abnormal screening results
• Priority 2: Provide equitable access to and uptake of follow-up services for abnormal screening results
• Priority 3: Collect and report aggregate data on patient follow-up and use it to inform program improvement

Peoples-specific priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis

• Priority 1: Culturally appropriate care closer to home
• Priority 2: Peoples-specific, self-determined cancer care
• Priority 3:  First Nations-, Inuit-, or Métis governed research and data systems